Category Archives: MMA

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

RASQUATCH RETURNS TO THE CAGE TO AVENGE HOMETOWN LOSS

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Portland, Maine (February 26, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” on April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional heavyweight fight to the card.  “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton is scheduled to face Charles Penn.

At 6’6,” Ras Hylton is one of the largest competitors ever to step foot in the NEF cage.  He started his amateur MMA career three years ago this month and went 3-0 prior to making his professional debut at “NEF 27” in February 2017.  Hylton has put together a record of 3-2 as a pro.  He will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Yorgan De Castro (4-0) in an unsuccessful bid to capture the inaugural NEF Cruiserweight Championship at “NEF 36” last November.

Hylton trains with First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine as well as Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland.  He is a longtime practitioner of Taekwondo, a discipline in which he holds a black belt.

“I’m really grateful to be fighting in my home again,” said Hylton. “After my humbling return late last year, it’s been a time of reflection on what is necessary for my success. Lucky for me, I have family in every part of my life. From home, to the gym, to the dojo, to my job, I’m constantly getting my motivation to do things better. Thank you for keeping me going, and helping me find excellence. It’s going to be a great year!”

Hylton’s opponent at “NEF 38,” Charles Penn, will be making his professional debut.  Penn put together an impressive 6-3 record as an amateur competing throughout the Midwest.  He now represents Hayastan MMA based in North Carolina.

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com. ��

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CHAMPION ‘KILLA’ KAM ARNOLD – ‘I WANT A BLOODBATH’

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New England Fights (NEF) bantamweight champion “Killa” Kam Arnold has been perfect so far in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, carving out a flawless 4-0 record with four knockouts since he debuted in the promotion just over a year and a half ago

On April 27th, the 135-pound “King in the North” makes his highly anticipated return to the cage when he is scheduled to defend his title against longtime bantamweight mainstay, Henry Clark (5-4).

Arnold recently joined Jason Floyd on The MMA Report podcast to discuss his origins in the sport, his reign at the top of the New England 135-pound division, and his goals for the future.

“I fell in love with combat sports at a very young age, mostly boxing,” Arnold explained to Floyd. “I was the youngest of all boys. I grew up in a pretty rough family, and I had to be tough growing up, and my love for combat sports came into the fold. I also played hockey as a kid, so I had a physical upbringing. And I also wrestled when I was in school and it transformed into this. I never thought I was going to be doing MMA as a kid, although I loved it.

“I hit rock bottom when I was a young teen,” Arnold continued. “I hit rock bottom, and my mother came from out-of-state and picked me up, and we moved to Lewiston [Maine]. And I always swore to myself as a kid I’d never move there because I thought it was the worst place in the world. But it was actually the best move I ever made in my entire life.”

When Arnold’s parents—whom he credits for “making me the man I am today”–brought him to his adopted hometown of Lewiston, Maine, he also found a gym family at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ) where he has started training under longtime NEF veterans Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-7) and former NEF flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (5-4).

“I’m trying to become a whole complete martial artist,” Arnold stated. “I’m not trying to be known as just this brawler that’s going to go out there and bang with anybody.”

“Bang,” however, is exactly what Arnold did in April 2018 when he knocked out David Thompson at “NEF 33: Riptide” in a lighting fast 11-seconds.

“I mean yeah, it was a hell of a knockout highlight reel,” Arnold confessed. “But I’ve been doing that my whole life, man.”

“We were working that overhand right, we knew that was going to be there right from the beginning,” Arnold continued. “I spoke it into existence and that’s exactly what happened. I cracked him with a jab, I saw his head snap back, and then as he’s coming in, he’s coming in very aggressive, he dropped his hand, he’s coming in for an upper cut and he left his chin right on a shelf for me.”

Arnold solidified his position at the top of the New England bantamweight division in June 2018 at “NEF 34: Home of the Brave” when he defeated Killian Murphy (1-2) via fourth-round knockout to become the NEF bantamweight champion. Despite a back and forth battle that brought the crowd to its feet that night, and the culminating moment he landed the knockout punch that iced the win for him, Arnold looks back and still sees room for improvement.

“I just haven’t been able to find that perfect fight, I guess,” Arnold pondered. “A lot of people would point to Killian Murphy maybe being that fight for me, but in my eyes that was a very poor performance for myself. I kept my hands very low for a reason, and a lot of people said, ‘Oh, you looked tired.’ If I was so tired, I wouldn’t have knocked him out in the fourth round. I kept my hands low for a reason because of his wrestling ability. And people seem to forget that I used to wrestle too, and I outwrestled him that whole fight. But I was still upset that I shouldn’t have been able to take that many shots as I did with Killian. I should have put him out earlier in the fight.

“It’s hard to get the perfect fight,” Arnold continued. “I talk to other people about it and they’re like, “Dude, it’s so hard.” Even guys that have been fighting for 10, 15 years they’re like, “It’s so hard to find that perfect fight.” Because I was like, “Man, is there something wrong with me? I feel disappointed in myself after a win.”

So what does Arnold want out of one of his fights in order to walk away satisfied?

“I want to have a bloodbath,” he admitted. “I want to split somebody wide open, have a doctor stoppage, because I’m beating somebody so badly. I love seeing people’s eyes roll in the back of their heads, I like making people stiff as a board.”

Currently still competing as an amateur, Arnold is already being discussed as a future threat in the professional bantamweight division. Before he turns pro, however, he has plans set to defend his title on April 27th against a very experienced and crafty veteran in Henry Clark, who comes into the bout riding a two-fight win streak.

“Henry’s tough, man,” Arnold warned. “He has a chin on him, he’s a gamer, he’s not going to back down and he’s solid all the way around.”

With his two-year anniversary since his debut still four months away, Kam isn’t anxious and is confident that he has a lot left to contribute to the sport.

“I still have some amateur goals that I want to accomplish and we’re only scratching the surface of my career, really,” Arnold stated. “I don’t want to make too much of a premature jump into the next group of talent. But I’m not afraid either, I’ve got to make the decision here coming up shortly, I’d like to get at least a couple more fights in. Depending on how those fights go—I’m one fight at a time—but if I keep on remaining successful, then I can’t see why I wouldn’t go pro after a sixth or a seventh fight.

“I’m very excited for the next chapter,” Arnold concluded.

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising. == z5�PZ

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR SIGNS ‘PITBULL’ BROTHERS TO MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.

 

Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champ Patricio Pitbull (28-4) and his older brother Patricky Pitbull (21-8).


 

“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!”

 

“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. For years, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”

 

Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”

 

A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship at Bellator 178 against Daniel Straus. Most recently, Patricio defeated Emmanuel Sanchez, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision at Bellator 209 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champ Michael Chandler for his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.

 

A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 at Bellator 36, the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Additionally, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes over Ryan Couture and David Rickels. However, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five against Josh Thomson, Benson Henderson, Derek Campos, Roger Huerta and most recently against Ryan Scope at Bellator Newcastle on Feb. 9.

 

Please visit www.Bellator.com for more information.

 


Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK FOR BELLATOR’S RETURN TO ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO ON MAY 11

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BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN



THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION

 

PLUS: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. on Saturday, May 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholder Michael Chandler (19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champ Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4) in the main event of Bellator 221 – which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

 

The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (30-7) face undefeated Michael “Venom” Page (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.

 

In addition, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospects A.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran (23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Finally, former WWE champion Jake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.

 

An exclusive online presale for Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, including Brent Primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Goiti Yamauchi and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 opponent, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Now, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.

 

Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name over Daniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) and Pat Curran, he most recently defeated Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision at Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time since Bellator 160 when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.

 

Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of Lorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paul Daley and Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 contests, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.

 

One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, and 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley at Bellator 216.

 

Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes of Aaron Pico,“Baby Slice” and Joey Davis at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. At just 23 years of age, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeated Daniel Crawford, Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence and Dominic Mazzotta along the way. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran at Bellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curran returns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Ill., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories over Emmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted at Bellator 14 in 2010, owns additional wins over Patricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren, Roger Huerta and Daniel Straus. Also, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.

 

A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizer at Bellator 214 in January. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Now, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.

 

Updated Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)

Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael “Venom” Page (14-0)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA

 
*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
boxing, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS SIGNS UNDEFEATED BOXER, FORMER “LUCHA UNDERGROUND” CHAMP DULCE MARIA GARCIA RIVAS TO EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT MMA PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT

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Garcia to debut in her third combat sport at “Combate Estrellas” 
in Monterrey, N.L., Mex. on Friday, April 12

NEW YORK– February 19, 2019 – Combate Americas has signed undefeated boxer and former Lucha Underground champion Dulce Maria Garcia Rivas (0-0 MMA, 5-0 boxing), formerly known as “Sexy Star,” to an exclusive, multi-fight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotional agreement, the premier sports entertainment franchise announced today.
 
Garcia will make her much-anticipated MMA rules debut under the promotion of Combate Americas at the soon-to-be-announced ‘Combate Estrellas’ live television event in her hometown of Monterrey, N.L., Mexico on Friday, April 12.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Dulce Garcia to the Combate Americas familia, and see her perform in La Jaula, and what is quickly emerging as the second biggest sport with Hispanic millennial fans worldwide,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.
 
Garcia notched three consecutive professional boxing victories in 2018 – her most recent, a six-round unanimous decision over Karla Islas on August 18 – to bring her overall record in the sport to an unblemished, 5-0. 

Pictured above:  In her second professional boxing start, Garcia (right) earned a unanimous decision victory over Guadalupe Coral (left) in Ecatepec, Mex. on September 30, 2017.

Prior to making her boxing debut in April 2017, Garcia had appeared in 57 episodes of El Rey Network’s Lucha Libre television series, Lucha Underground, and was crowned the first women’s champion in the show’s history on April 9, 2016.

Garcia is also a four-time champion of Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide professional wrestling organization, and the wife of former, three-time world boxing champion Jhonny Gonzalez.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB HALL LOOKS TO CONTINUE WIN STREAK AT NEF 38

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 18, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” on April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland.  The fight promotion just announced the addition of a professional lightweight fight to the card.  Caleb Hall will take on Jay Ellis at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

Hall is on a five-fight win streak in the NEF cage going back to his amateur days.  His last loss for the promotion was more than four years ago at “NEF 16” against current professional featherweight champion Josh Harvey.  Hall closed out his amateur career with three straight wins, including capturing the amateur 145-pound strap.

He continued that success into the professional ranks in 2018.  In his pro debut last spring, Hall submitted veteran John Ortolani in the first round with a Von Flu Choke.  He followed up that performance with another first round submission, this time over CJ Ewer via D’Arce Choke this past September at “NEF 35.”

Hall cut his teeth on the wrestling mats of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he was a two-time state champion.  He now represents the Choi Institute based out of Recon Fitness in Portland.

“I am happy to be fighting in Portland at Aura again,” said Hall of the upcoming April 27 bout against Jay Ellis.  “I am looking to pick up where I left off in 2018 and continuing my winning streak.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

JAKE BAGLEY AFTER DAZZLING MMA DEBUT: “I PLAN ON DOING BIG THINGS”

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Portland, Maine (February 16, 2019)—Jake “The Bull” Bagley has had a mythical reputation within the Maine wrestling community for well over a decade, but when he made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at “NEF 37: Sub Zero” on February 1st in Bangor, a whole new legion of fans learned his name—fight fans. That’s because Bagley, a multiple-time state champion wrestler, brought the house down in his back-and-forth, fist-tastic battle with Canada’s Brady Macdonald. Bagley discussed his NEF MMA debut recently with Bryan Stackpole and Ryan Jarrell on the Between Rounds Radio podcast.

Bagley, now 25-years-old, grew-up wrestling for perennial powerhouse Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, where he won two state championships. During his time on the mat, Bagley earned a reputation as a relentless competitor that never hesitated to bump up in weight to face the toughest challengers he could find at both the state and national levels. Blessed with a relentless desire to constantly test his abilities, Bagley’s interests naturally progressed to MMA at a young age.

“When I was 15, I believe I was a sophomore, I heard there was cage fighting going on in Berwick, Maine,” Bagley told Stackpole and Jarrell. “I went down and checked it out and that’s the first day I met Bill Jones. I was 15-years-old and I walked into Hall Brother’s Roofing and they’re out there behind a storage unit place, in a garage bay training. Ever since that day, Bill’s been kicking my ass and pushing me to it. In the last couple of months, I finally got serious about it and decided to do it.”

Bagley’s NEF debut earlier this month came against a fighter that had proven himself to be a wrestler’s kryptonite. Canada’s Brady Macdonald needed only 15-seconds to force multiple-time New Hampshire state champion Greg Waterbury to tap when he debuted with the promotion in June 2018. Early into his bout with Bagley, it looked like history might repeat itself when Macdonald was able to secure Bagley’s back during the first round. Bagley, however, would have none of it.

“He caught me with that first overhand right right at the beginning of the fight and then it clicked—I realized I was in a fight,” Bagley recounted. “My adrenaline went up. I couldn’t have been happier. It was everything that I was looking for.”

Bagley fought off the choke and then, the fight was on. A frenetic, high-paced free-for-all followed that had all 1200 fans in the building on their feet.

“As soon as I realized how hard he could hit, I had no fear—I was going forward,” Bagley stated.

“I didn’t realize how many times he actually hit me until I saw the video,” Bagley continued. “That’s a big thing—I need to keep my hands up.”

One of the most dangerous moments of the fight for Bagley came when he found himself caught in a deep heel hook.

“I look at the video now and I see my foot facing down and my knee facing up and it definitely hurt,” Bagley explained. “He had it in there tight and I’m glad I got through it.”

“I didn’t notice anybody but Brady that night. When I was in there I couldn’t hear coaches yelling, I couldn’t hear fans yelling. It was awesome. It was pure focus because I knew if I wasn’t focusing he was going to catch me like I was catching him.”

Now, a couple of weeks removed from his head-turning debut, the bumps and bruises have healed, but for Bagley—and the fans that were fortunate enough to witness it—the magic of the moment has not been forgotten.

“I’ve wrestled on a couple of national stages, but the emotion and the stuff after that fight… I still feel it today,” Bagley said.

“It feels amazing,” he continued. “I’ve always been a competitor and I’ve always trained my entire life. I didn’t do much the last five years—I had a couple of kids and started a family. When I just got back into the gym it was like riding a bike. Once I get going, there’s not going to be anybody to stop me.”

Once again fully committed to a competition lifestyle, Bagley is ready to start racking up the wins the same way he did on the wrestling mat.

“I feel that now that I’m in it, I have that drive and motivation that I don’t think many people are going to be able to compete with,” he said. “I’ve got unnatural athletic ability and my determination is going to be hard to match—I don’t care who you are.”

“I will fight anybody that wants to accept a fight with me,” he continued. “That’s how I feel. If I want to be the best, I’m going to go against the best. I’ll take on anybody right now.”

“I plan on doing big things.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com. ��F�>s�O

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR 215: MITRIONE vs. KHARITONOV RESULTS & PHOTOS

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FULL PHOTOS HERE

  

Complete Bellator 215 Results:

Matt Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) and Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 2 NC) ended in a no contest

Logan Storley (10-0) defeated Ion Pascu (18-9) via unanimous decision (30-27 30-26, 30-26)

Eduardo Dantas (21-6) defeated Toby Misech (11-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

John Douma (4-1) defeated Mike Kimbel (2-1) via submission (triangle choke) at 2:51 of round one

Austin Vanderford (7-0) defeated Cody Jones (6-3) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:49 of round one

 

Preliminary Card:

Steve Mowry (6-0) defeated Darion Abbey (0-1) via submission (kimura) at 1:27 of round one

Amanda Bell (6-5) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-3) via KO (punches) at 3:52 of round one

Pat McCrohan (4-2) defeated Jason Markland (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 1:11 of round one

Lindsey VanZandt (5-1) defeated Tabatha Watkins (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:25 of round two

Pete Rogers (4-4) defeated Jason Rine (1-5) via TKO (strikes) at :50 of round two

Matt Probin (4-0) defeated Ali Zebian (1-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Zarrukh Adashev (2-1) defeated Ronie Arana (0-3) via unanimous decision (29-28. 30-27, 30-27)

Billy Goff (2-0) defeated Ryan Hardy (0-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 


Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARDS FOR BELLATOR 215: MITRIONE VS. KHARITONOV THIS FRIDAY & BELLATOR 216: MVP VS. DALEY THIS SATURDAY

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FULL PHOTOS HERE

 

LOS ANGELES – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s doubleheader return to Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 has been completed with two stacked five-fight main cards and exciting preliminary matchups.

 

The main event of Friday’s card on Paramount Network, and simulcast on DAZN, will feature a heavyweight headliner, where former Bellator Grand Prix Semifinalist Matt Mitrione (13-6) faces Russian knockout artist Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 1 NC). Rounding out the stacked main card will see undefeated Logan Storley (9-0) meet SBG Dublin’s Ion Pascu (18-9) at welterweight, former Bellator bantamweight champ Eduardo Dantas (20-6) return from injury to meet Hawaii’s Toby Misech (12-6) at 135-pounds, and the electric Mike Kimbel (2-0) making his main card debut against Rhode Island’s John Douma (3-1). The opener of Bellator 215 will be the promotional debut of Austin Vanderford (6-0), who looks to remain undefeated against Cody Jones (6-2), a winner of four consecutive fights.



 

The prelims for Bellator 215: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov will be highlighted by a women’s featherweight contest featuring Amber Leibrock (3-2) against Amanda Bell (5-5), as well as top heavyweight prospect Steve Mowry (5-0) taking on Darion Abbey (Pro Debut).

 

A mere 24-hours later, Bellator 216 will take place exclusively on DAZN and will be headlined by one of the most intense grudge matches in MMA history. On Saturday, Feb. 16, undefeated Michael “Venom” Page (13-0) will enter the Bellator cage against 58-fight professional Paul “Semtex” Daley (40-16-2) in a first-round fight of Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. The co-main event is a rematch between two heavyweights who undoubtedly will go down in the sport’s history books, when Mirko Cro Cop (37-11-2, 1 NC) makes his Bellator debut against Roy “Big Country” Nelson (23-16).



In addition, a No. 1 contender’s bout to determine who will face newly crowned heavyweight kingpin Ryan Bader will pit Cheick Kongo (29-10-2) against undefeated, longtime former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov (21-0). An intriguing welterweight encounter between Yaroslav Amosov (20-0) and the always-excitingErick Silva (20-9, 1 NC) is also official, as is the professional debut of multi-time taekwondo champion Valerie Loureda, when she meets Oklahoma’s Colby Fletcher (1-2) in the main card opener.

 

As if that wasn’t enough top-flight action, Tyrell Fortune (5-0), one of Bellator’s top homegrown prospects returns to the Bellator cage against Ryan Pokryfky (6-5) in the featured preliminary bout of Bellator 216: MVP vs. Daley.

 

Bellator: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov will be broadcast Friday, February 15 on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and will stream LIVE on DAZN. Bellator: MVP vs. Daley will stream exclusively on DAZN on Saturday, February 16 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Preliminary action for both events will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Tickets for both events are available now and can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Fans can save when they purchase tickets to both events through the “Back-to-Back Pack!” Please visit Ticketmaster.com for more details.




Complete Bellator 215: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event Bout: Matt Mitrione (13-6) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 1 NC)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Logan Storley (9-0) vs. Ion Pascu (18-9)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Eduardo Dantas (20-6) vs. Toby Misech (12-6)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Mike Kimbel (2-0) vs. John Douma (3-1)

175-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Austin Vanderford (6-0) vs. Cody Jones (6-2)

 

Preliminary Card:

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Mowry (5-0) vs. Darion Abbey (Pro Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Amber Leibrock (3-2) vs. Amanda Bell (5-5)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Pat McCrohan (3-2) vs. Jason Markland (Debut)

Atomweight Preliminary Bout: Tabatha Watkins (3-0) vs. Lindsey VanZandt (4-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Pete Rogers (3-4) vs. Jason Rine (1-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Probin (3-0) vs. Ali Zebian (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Zarrukh Adashev (1-1) vs. Ronie Arana (0-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Billy Goff (1-0) vs. Ryan Hardy (Pro Debut)

 

Complete Bellator 216: MVP vs. Daley Main Card:

Welterweight World Grand Prix Matchup: Michael Page (13-0) vs. Paul Daley (40-16-2)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Mirko Cro Cop (37-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-16)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Cheick Kongo (29-10-2) vs. Vitaly Minakov (21-0)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Yaroslav Amosov (20-0) vs. Erick Silva (20-9, 1 NC)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Valerie Loureda (Pro Debut) vs. Colby Fletcher (1-2)

 

Preliminary Card:

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tyrell Fortune (5-0) vs. Ryan Pokryfky (6-5)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Patrick Casey (4-0) vs. Nekruz Mirkhojaev (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Vinicius De Jesus (6-2) vs. Rodolpho Barcellos (1-0)

165-Pound Catchweight Bout: Kastriot Xhema (2-2, 1 NC) vs. Kemran Lachinov (7-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Reginaldo Felix (5-2) vs. Justin Sumter (6-2)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jesse Kosakowski (2-0) vs. Rodolfo Rocha (1-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Demetrius Plaza (Pro Debut) vs. Andrews Rodriguez (1-0)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

 
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 38 IN PORTLAND FEATURES ELITE WRESTLERS

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Portland, Maine (February 8, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” on April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the second amateur title fight confirmed for the event.  Zac “Rocky” Richard (3-0-1) will take on Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo (2-1) for the vacant NEF Amateur  Featherweight Championship.

It will be Richard’s second attempt at capturing the title.  Earlier this month, Richard fought Fred Lear (6-2-1) to a thrilling five-round draw for the strap in Bangor, Maine.  The bout is considered by many to be a very early contender for “Fight of the Year” in New England thus far.  Lear’s decision to turn professional after that fight nixed any hope for an immediate rematch.

Richard, the 2018 “NEF Rookie of the Year” as voted by the promotion’s fans, went on a tear last year with three first-round finishes.  He has never been a stranger to the winner’s circle, having won a Maine state championship in wrestling for Massabesic High School in 2015.  Richard hopes to replicate that success on April 27 and take the featherweight strap home in his second attempt.

Richard represents team Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under current UFC fighter, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (9-4).

“Now that I’ve been in a war, I know what I need to work on,” said Richard.  “I’ve came so far in just one year. I’m going to blow the roof off of AURA. No way around it, I want that title. I’m going to come back faster, stronger and smarter. Tom is a great fighter and I know this fight will bring out the best in me.”

Tom Pagliarulo will be making his NEF debut on April 27.  He has two finishes to his credit on MMA events in New Hampshire, including a first-round technical knockout last fall.  Like Richard, Pagliarulo cut his teeth on the wrestling mats.  He is a lifelong wrestler.  He competed for Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts and later for Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  Pagliarulo currently holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains at both Burgess MMA in Manchester, New Hampshire and Spero’s Martial Arts Academy in Plaistow, New Hampshire.

“What better way to make my NEF debut than a title fight against a tough competitor,” exclaimed Pagliarulo when reached for comment.  “Zac and myself are both elite wrestlers which should make for an exciting fight. The opportunity was presented to me, and I know it is a fight that will make us both better, so I jumped all over it. As far as the title goes, this is just another fight for me. I’m going to go in there and do what I love to do, fight.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.